Disqus - Friends of ptrgan

Re: Huawei Ideos hands-on

The Calm Critic — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:53:40 -0000

Ok cheap is cheap I can deal with that but even if they really really have to go with a 2.8" screen,what's with the HUGE D-pad + call +end bezel bottom?That's wastage there in terms of build costs surely?

Re: Keepin it real fake: N-KIA E68 shows more innovation that Nokia (video)

The Calm Critic — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:10:45 -0000

This KIRF killed some of my brain cells when I slapped my forehead so hard -.-".It's the dumbest looking dumbphone that I don't know where to begin.Ingenious you say?A gimped AND redundant mini display propped on top off something that's more usable are hardly if any ingenious.Man they need to stop KIRFing shit up.

Re: BlackBerry Storm3 caught on camera?

The Calm Critic — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:50:58 -0000

Dude the top 3 things hoped for by probably ALL prev and current Storm badge users are:-
1. A better OpenGL capable SoC (that's CPU amongst other things if you're unsure..)
2. Surepress gone or not that's second tier priority so long if there's a well tuned BB OS 6 that won't suck on UI performance are enough.
3. No more batt pulls.

I hope RIM are seriously considering the newer Marvell Armada 600 series (http://www.anandtech.com/sh... for Storm 3 but guess what..ain't gonna happen based on their track record **eye rolls**.They won't risk that.They won't put something out to deliver a fast blow faster than you can say Torch because that's where the "illusion" is;form factor diffs to make money on their BB product portfolio.Hence their solid excuse for sticking with the same tactic for past/current models.

Re: Triple-core 1.5GHz Marvel CPU amazes the smartphone world

The Calm Critic — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:26:07 -0000

IINM the only single largest customer that uses Marvell's products are RIM for their Blackberrys right?Feel free to correct me?And even so,RIM so far has managed to successfully avoid from the Armada series from the get go.I'm guessing that they buy so much of the back end old inventory that Marvell seem to be able to scratch out profits for R&D.

Re: Sony Ericsson says goodbye to Symbian

The Calm Critic — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:16:08 -0000

Personally I don't see what's the fuss is all about?Think about it.Of all Symbian Foundation device manufacturer members I can easily say that both SE and Samsung as the LARGEST second fiddle failures along with everyone else (to any who'd might be surprised,on the members' list are also:-Fujitsu,Huawei,LG and Sharp.We can discount both LG and Sharp out because they don't care about anything outside of their local markets anyways..) EXCEPT FOR Nokia.

Let's start a list shall we?Late product announcements?Check.Late product launch/delivery?Check.Craptacular factory firmware for relatively all Symbian products delivered?Check.Ergo the automatic bad rep and experience for non-savvier users when it comes to Symbian OS.

Both made probable S60 5th "winners".Vivaz from SE and Samsung with their i8910.Heck Samsung had the balls to port over the i8910 for that WP7 proto remember?But both lost so to speak just read the above listed for clarity.Blundered launch to market with glaring product flaws and features missing that it actually took some very dedicated people out there to fix their ROM FOR them?

And so what if SE did have a plan for S^3 and beyond?When was the last time they were able to stick to a schedule?Oh wait...Yeah..Like never.They're gaming Android now.That's all good but oops still with that SE panache I see.X10 could have done better but noooo they have to take their own sweet time,crapped out on multi touch feature and voila screwed up Froyo for X10.

In short,the Symbian Foundation could use FAR BETTER and more dedicated members for the cause.SE won't be missed.

I want that Android PSPhone to happen.But when?Well I'm not holding my breath.

Re: Motorola Droid Pro, first hands-on! (update: video!)

The Calm Critic — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:54:40 -0000

Put out a midrange one with a slightly slower CPU + front cam and then watch 'em Curve crackberry addicts toss their loyalty away.Still...I'm gonna wait to see if HTC,Samsung or dare I say it SE can come up with a retort.This will get interesting.

Re: Android-driven Motorola DROID PRO and CITRUS headed for Verizon US

The Calm Critic — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 05:55:00 -0000

Will wait for HTC,SE and Samsung's answer to that Droid Pro.When that happens it's not hard to imagine that this form will win over disgruntled longtime BB owners and win big.Hell if Moto can game this right they can win it right now.Of course essentially PRICE and model options are the key factors but right now this Droid Pro presents a seriously compelling argument for most crackberry addicts.

Re: Google's Andy Rubin on Windows Phone 7: 'the world doesn't need another platform'

The Calm Critic — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:32:40 -0000

I don't agree with Andy but with this WP7 pre-fail list off GSMarena's WP7 review (http://www.gsmarena.com/win...

Main disadvantages:
~ No system-wide file manager
~ No videocalling
~ Limited third-party apps
~ No Bluetooth file transfers
~ No USB mass storage mode
~ No memory card support
~ No multitasking
~ No copy paste
~ Too dependent on Zune software for computer file management and syncing
~ No music player equalisers
~ No Flash or Silverlight support in the web browser
~ No sign of free Bing maps Navigation so far
~ No DivX/XviD video support

He's PARTLY right...Just partly I'd say so don't get your panties up in a bunch WP7 fans.

Re: Windows Phone 7 handsets: spec comparison

The Calm Critic — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 01:15:39 -0000

Hmm...so roughly speaking if one really really have to draw some lines after looking at this chart I'd say the real wild cards are:-
1. Dell Venue Pro

2. HTC HD7

3. Samsung Focus

Ultimately it boils down to WP7's real world functions and performance to match Venue Pro's form factor's usability (biz/enterprise/longtime wannabe BB switchers with an itch to WP7's biz leanings will attest),HTC as usual puts out the necessary pure brawn and only Samsung's Focus has Micro SD option.ALL however will make or break on RRP/prices.

Re: Palm Pre 2 in the wild?

The Calm Critic — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 01:55:47 -0000

Seriously?As stupid as the Dell Lightning gets named to Venue Pro,at the very least it's LIGHT YEARS AWAY aesthetically over this purported Pre 2?Hell if HPalm if pushing this out with the same 1150mAh batt **facepalm**..I don't care if it's gonna contain the latest generation CPU it's DOA for sure.

Re: Symbian boss steps down effective immediately

The Calm Critic — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:14:32 -0000

Because..this is yet another glaring indication on that "hidden" Nokia+Intel's intent to slowly but not subtly kill off Symbian.Which is highly ironic considering Nokia are still putting out cheaper Sym^1 and S40 sets for what exactly?Adding clutter?People are moving out front,left,right and center so what's the long term expectation for users at future OS support?

It's only a good strat if they were very very clear from the get go.Instead we're seeing these **cue the MeeGo memes** "I'm out" news now literally on a weekly basis?

/end wtf mode Nokia/Sym fan.

Re: Vertu Constallation Quest new pics and first screenshots surface

The Calm Critic — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:39:01 -0000

It's a bit funny really with these so-called "boutique" electronic device makers.They're actually in biz on assumption that their target clientele are complete imbeciles,only with money and of course Ms.Paris Hilton on speed dial.I'd be truly offended ;p

Go google Synapse Phones...and they're not that expensive either.That's what I'll do if I'm the sort with copious amount of free cash lying around.Nit and pick 2 or 3 Android phones that's actually USEFUL and NOT GAUDY looking.

But hey to each their own I guess.

Re: ASUS EeePC 1015PN goes on sale, I so want one

The Calm Critic — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 02:10:02 -0000

-moved-

Re: ASUS EeePC 1015PN goes on sale, I so want one

The Calm Critic — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 02:10:55 -0000

The Atom CPU on this probably can't hold a candle close enough to MBA's C2D (but DO REALIZE you're gonna STILL be paying the usual 2010/11 Apple tax prices for OLD TECH) while MBA's instant on feature,highly improved batt life and standby hours are of course equally credible.

Going by Apple's usual per annum hardware refresh cycle,the MBA to me are a lot worse investment compared to netbooks sliced 1 way or the other.

Bang for buck wise this netbook are for people with proper MAIN PCs setup and at best with 70:30 static to mobile computing needs.So that means the new MBA is probably only appealing for current long time Mac users instead of new upgraders or Win switchers.

Re: The PlayStation Phone

The Calm Critic — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:56:28 -0000

I'd hate to nitpick but why are the phone keys look X10-ish and not capacitive?It cheapens the phone?

Re: The PlayStation Phone

The Calm Critic — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:49:50 -0000

"The particular model in these shots is still in prototyping mode."
Well that's good to know.1 thing's for sure SE NEED to remove those phone keys to capacitive and there's still time to "thicken" and round the top and bottom ends to PSP's proper ideals.Going by SE's "stellar" reputation of premature leaks,over-promising and under delivering so far,they have by now enough motivations to get this right dammit!

Why "thick"?Hell make it thick just like a PSP. I'm not gonna expect a PS Phone to run on typical run of the mill generic 1500mAh batt.Smartphone SOC nerds can STFU about optimized ARM designs I don't care.I want a standard unit, pimped up juice pack for this baby.Anything less means DOA. Waif connoisseurs PLEASE refrain from posting and stick to your iPod Touch and iPhone.

Re: The PlayStation Phone

The Calm Critic — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:06:08 -0000

Ok fair enough.But a better design are still on the wanted list.Those Xperia X10-ish cues have got to go.

Re: BlackBerry Torch coming to AT&T in two fresh colors next month

The Calm Critic — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:31:50 -0000

BBs are good for what most crackberry addicts can and will demand out of those.I'll give it that.But for the price it commands?Gimme a break.At the moment at least...I just wish that crackberry addicts wake up and realize that they're still rewarding mediocre device refreshes.

I'd like to point out to you NA market users that you're absolutely lucky for the generous carrier subsidies as much as I truly hate the biz model.Over here in Malaysia, the BB Bold 9700 (yeah not a typo) at current exchange rates and real local market price from 1 carrier it's approx MYR2,300.00 = USD738.60 w/ 12mth plan.Add another USD50.00 for unlocked ones.It's pitted against the iPhone 4 16Gb that's actually a whopping USD200.00 LESS on 24mth plans!? And people ask why/how iPhone have done so well.Note:- I'm in that school of thought who thinks that the only good iPhone is a jailbroken one so no I'm not an iTard.But I give credit where it's due.Bang for buck and spec for spec the iPhone are ridiculously WELL priced.

Hell even if it's way cheaper over there I don't think RIM deserves to treat the NA market the way it does still.Yet they still win by the numbers.Unbelievable...

And don't get me started on Android phones.It's winning droves because it's priced way better too and HTC by now are uber aggressive promoting and marketing in and off the carriers here in Malaysia.

I wonder how long RIM plans to stick with this game plan before the masses realize.

Re: The PlayStation Phone: new photos, more details!

The Calm Critic — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:16:59 -0000

It's a GAMING smartphone buddy.Thicker for a bigger batt are actually sensible.Unless if you can show us a thin 2000mAh batt module we've never seen yet then...

Re: The PlayStation Phone: new photos, more details!

The Calm Critic — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:22:12 -0000

Finally!Someone who thinks alike....The curved aspect of Vivaz Pro's (or Vivaz for that matter) phys keys are subtle and yet it is much much better streamlined.I'd rather if SE just get lazy and copy paste the damn design on the final product if they can't come up with better.

Re: Rumor has it LG Optimus Pad will run Android 3.0 Honeycomb on dual-core Tegra 2

The Calm Critic — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:32:25 -0000

"And a 1GHz+ dual-core processor should give an Intel Atom a run for its money – poor netbooks, they just might become an endangered species."

AMD's netbook solutions on APUs should be coming in 2011.That's the real Atom killer.About netbooks until I see tablets get a kickstand for proper tilt view on table tops + touch QWERTY that's really fluid enough to displace physical keys OR a good mini slide out then netbook sales will slow down for market balancing at the moment sure but going extinct?This is FUD.

It's about ergonomics.Take the iPad.I see iPad hipsters on a daily basis as my long term gf works as a Starbucks store manager.Necks arched close to 90 degrees downwards in usage with the iPad flat on table top.Good for some minutes of useless FB lurking or tweets.Not so good for prolonged work e-mailing or some actual work.The form factor essentially are still just tuned for 1 handed operation.It will get better I hope so too.But so far there's no concrete evidence.

I like how Honeycomb is going to address tablet OS efficiencies.But currently just any netbook user with FULL mainstream Linux distros running on and they'll tell you that it's the real functional "to go" solution after their Win or Linux PC at home.

Re: Rumor has it LG Optimus Pad will run Android 3.0 Honeycomb on dual-core Tegra 2

The Calm Critic — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:27:07 -0000

@derp and Senorito
You're both are correct hence my prev comment.Again I stress that current tablets' design ergonomics at both hardware and OS/UI still needs more work for prolonged productive use.

Right now at least I hope that tablets are actually pushing SSD prices down but oddly enough even as we're seeing this Android vs. iPad tablet race going on it's not really going that fast.

Re: Sharp Touch Wood concept turns real with limited run of 15,000 handsets on NTT DoCoMo

The Calm Critic — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:32:11 -0000

I like it.Prob is it's not really a kid friendly design.Imagine a 5 yr old banging away on the floor with the phone thinking that it's some other building block toy.Would defeat the purpose if I'd have to cover it with an Otterbox.That being said yeah I still like it.Not with a crap featurephone OS though.

Re: AT&T cuts BlackBerry Torch price in half; now $99.99

The Calm Critic — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:15:53 -0000

Elsewhere rest of the world it gets even shall we say..interesting...Here in Malaysia this thing are priced against iPhone 4 16Gb unlocked.As much as I rag on Apple regularly,that's beyond absurd.

Re: Sony Ericsson's Anzu / X12 to be Xperia Gingerbread flagship? (Update: more pics!)

The Calm Critic — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:57:10 -0000

Well hate me for nitpicking but that 2nd shot;Is that with or without a batt?Too damn thin can give that sub 12 hour standby nightmare enough to drive a man up a wall.Oh and dear SE, X12 it is if you're taking your own sweet time.Just don't let us catch you again with X13 2",X14 1" pico to wall and X15 3" with goblin sized landscape QWERTY or whatever.Seriously it ain't funny the 1st time and sure as hell not gonna be the 2nd.